The Al Jazeera program 'Beyond the News' delves into the implications of the U.S. military's withdrawal from the strategic Tanf base in Syria, as announced on February 12, 2026. This decision has significant political ramifications, particularly in the context of the evolving relationship between the U.S. and the Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad. Analysts discuss how this withdrawal could reflect broader shifts in power dynamics in the region, potentially signaling a turn in U.S. foreign policy towards further disengagement from Syria and fostering a more pronounced alignment of power with Russia and Iran in the area.

The discussion also explores the potential future steps that the Biden administration might take, weighing the risks and benefits of a similar withdrawal from other U.S. positions in the region. Experts on the panel, including Syrian political analyst Kamal Abdo and international relations professor Hosni Abidi, debate the implications of this military shift not just for U.S.-Syrian relations, but also for internal Syrian politics and security. The increasing pressure within Syria could lead to heightened instability as various factions vie for control in the absence of American oversight.

Finally, the implications of this decision extend beyond just immediate military concerns; it could also redefine Syria's regional role amidst changing alliances. The panel argues that if U.S. forces continue to withdraw, Syria may find itself more firmly integrated into the Iranian sphere of influence, exacerbating tensions with Israel and straining the already precarious balance of power in the region. As this situation unfolds, the experts stress that ongoing observation of these dynamics is crucial for understanding the future landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics.